TJ Staupe and Vickie Pratt

“Once we retired from the railroad, we found ourselves missing the community we once had and discovered a new community at the Y,” said Vickie. “After a while, you get to know people and then you’re doing things you never would have thought of before: potlucks, playing bingo, going to birthday and anniversary parties, seeing Irish dancing, and attending a Winter Solstice party.”

TJ and Vickie thought they had a full Y experience by enjoying the fellowship, pool, steam room, yoga, and tai chi, until they heard about giving opportunities at the Y.
The couple made a generous bequest to leave their estate to the YMCA to ensure others have the same opportunities.

“You don’t get unless you give. Why hoard what you have? It feels good when you can change someone’s life and watch them grow and know you’re part of that. It’s a doggone good feeling,” said TJ.

TJ and Vickie joined the Y’s Legacy Club, a club created to recognize donors whose foresight secures the future of the YMCA and its mission through gifts to the YMCA Endowment Fund.
The YMCA Endowment Fund ensures that programs and services will be available for generations to come.